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Diamond said he had a much higher electric bill than expected on top of having damage to his home from the Oct. 4 floods.

Diamond said he heard about the Salvation Army’s Woodyard Fund through a guidance counselor at A.C. Flora High School, where one of his children attends.

Diamond said he rides his bike through all types of weather regularly to go to work at a gas station to support his family.

The Salvation Army approved his request for funding, and Diamond was enthusiastic about the positive outcome.

“It just helped me out a whole lot,” he said. “It just helped me out a heck of a lot, thank you Jesus.”

Diamond said he encourages others to consider making donations that could help Midlands families in need during cold weather. Though money is tight, he said it inspired him to want to do something, too.

“I’m ready to give a donation myself,” he said.

The Woodyard Fund helps residents in crisis in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties pay for utilities. The fund dates to 1816, when the Ladies Benevolent Society provided firewood and coal to families in need. In 1930, The State newspaper’s editor, William E. Gonzales, began publicizing the fund. It became a tradition the newspaper continues every winter.

Woodyard Fund

How to give help: Donations can be mailed to the Woodyard Fund, c/o The Salvation Army of the Midlands, P.O. Box 2786, Columbia, SC 29202. Make checks payable to the Woodyard Fund. All donations are tax-deductible.

How to get help: Area residents who need assistance with heating bills can call (803) 462-5093 for more information or to make an appointment for assistance.

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